Effective Approaches for Teaching Revision

Abstract

Beyond the grammatical slip, punctuation error, or misspelled word, revision is a fundamental skill that resides at the very heart of the writing and thinking process. This thesis project highlights concerns over students’ and teachers’ similar disdain for the revision process in composition. It suggests the overarching importance of this benchmark skill in all disciplines as a means to deepen consideration of issues and ideas. The concept of revision as more than correction--as a re-seeing and re-thinking--can enable students to be better prepared for further academic pursuits and extends from the classroom to life and vocation. The comprehensive literature review section examines teaching revision and writing concepts to a range of different students. It discusses the idea of revision as an accepted part of the writing process which then becomes a necessary step instead of perceived “busy work.” Key revision techniques suggested throughout the literature are reviewed and discussed for possible implementation. Some of the strategic principles of revision include: positive attitude toward revision, identity of students as real writers, appeal to multiple intelligences, self-evaluation, and peer review. Through an eleventh-grade English Language Arts curriculum model, designed to engage and instruct, this project offers and encourages strategies for educators to apply new revision tools for their students. The curriculum includes lessons which incorporate visualization and auditory elements, computer technology, and communication skills.